Embrace the NEW!

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

I’m so glad you have joined me to study God’s Word! I’ve titled this study, “A Change Will Do You Good!” And I really believe that’s true because God is good, and He makes everything work together for our good. So, let’s get right into it.

Change happens to everyone, and it’s happening all the time, all around us. Sometimes I feel the world is changing faster than some people can keep up with it. But because God’s Word is true and powerful and always remains the same, we can approach change with positivity and learn to embrace it.

I’ve experienced quite a few changes in my own life and ministry. For example, about 20 years ago, our conference attendance was declining. As I looked at the people in the crowds, I noticed they were about the same age I was…and I realized that if we wanted to reach younger people for Jesus, we would have to do things differently.

Our son Daniel had recently been promoted to a position of authority within our ministry, and he suggested many changes that I initially resisted. He recommended having younger bands lead worship, updating the way I dressed, and modernizing the look of our platform. He also advised changing our monthly magazine and even redecorating some of our office space.

Honestly, I felt insulted by my son’s ideas, as though he was saying I had not done a good job. But he helped me understand that this wasn’t the case. I had taken the ministry to the point where it was, but the time had come when I needed input from people who were younger than me.

Even though I didn’t particularly like all the changes Dan suggested, we agreed to make them, and our ministry has grown as a result. Now when I look at the crowds at our conferences, I see people of all ages, from all walks of life, not just people of my generation. The growth our ministry has experienced has enabled us to help more people. Had I refused to change because of stubborn pride, I might not even have a ministry now.

Perhaps you are facing some changes right now and are struggling with them, or perhaps you need to make some changes and are afraid to do so. If so, I hope this story helps you realize how important it is to be willing and open to change.

While change requires courage, leaving behind an old season and embracing the new experiences God has for you will be worth it. You see, when God closes one door, He always opens another. Don’t miss what God wants to do in your life now because you are clinging to the past. Have the courage to change. With God on your side, you don’t ever have to be afraid to give up the good to go for the great!

Adapted from the book The Courage to Change by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2025 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

Let’s Pray: “God, change can be difficult because there are so many unknowns, but I believe that You can work everything out for my good. You can make a way where there is no way! Help me see each change that comes as an opportunity to trust You…and watch You do something even greater in my life. Because You are with me, I know that the best is yet to come. In Jesus’ name, amen.”